1968 Chevy Malibu Trim - Time To Get Some Trim

Adding Shiny Parts (and Some Not So Shiny) To Project Malibu Muscle

It's one thing to tear off the old parts from a project car and put on the new, but for years we had to make do with refurbishing the old aluminum and stainless trim since either no one reproduced it, or what was made was of poor quality. We've heard horror stories about how the parts didn't fit, didn't match up, or just plain looked bad after being placed on the car. Well, friends and neighbors, we're here to tell you those days are over. We're replacing just about every piece of bright work on our '68 Malibu project vehicle so that it'll look like it just rolled out of the factory.

3/19

We have a new script emblem coming, but just for the photo we sprayed the old crusty one black, and now we kind of like it. We'll go with the new OPG part, but it's an interesting look.

Spin-offs of the word "restoration," the terms "restification" and "resto-rod" are frequently used when referring to classics, street rods, and musclecars when they're not true restored, stock machines. Obviously, Project Malibu Muscle is not a restoration, but we want most of the trim, inside and out, to look like the Malibus we love.

As many of you have found with your cars, what looks like a complete automobile when you buy it, isn't. The big parts such as fenders and quarters can fool you with tons of filler, etc., but at least there are replacements. We did that with the entire front end. So now that we've done the body and paint, it's time to start putting the trim back on. The longer we look at it, though, the less we want to spend the time taking out dings and dents in delicate pieces of stainless and aluminum. And thanks to environmentalists and various state and federal regulations, re-plating bumpers and other chrome has become prohibitively expensive. Luckily for us, there's Original Parts Group (OPG), and some real experts to help us.

4/19

If you haven't opened one of OPG's catalogs, do so. Get a fresh one though, because once you open it, you'll drool over the amazing variety of parts. One of the cool things about OPG's catalog is the illustrations showing what parts you need and where they go on your Chevelle. Maybe you know all that, but for many it's great to have help. By the way, OPG has parts and catalogs for Monte Carlos, GTOs/Tempests, the '64-72 Olds Cutlass/442, and Buick Skylarks/ GS/GSXs-all the cool GM machines.

This month's work covers only the outside, but OPG did us proud with the interior parts also. We'll show you how that goes together next time, along with a couple of exterior parts still on back order.

MORE PHOTOS

We have a new script emblem coming, but just for the photo we sprayed the old crusty one black, and now we kind of like it. We'll go with the new OPG part, but it's an interesting look.

It's nice when the parts fit without gaps and wiggles, like this. This taillight comes as a complete assembly with wiring attached, which is the easy way to do the install.

A grille is like the car's face, and this one really lights up the front. We have a panel to paint that goes between the bumper and the grille, and then we'll install a brand new shiny chrome bumper.

As we were taking the car apart, it occurred to us that there are more layers of trim and weatherstriping than our little minds could remember, so we took lots of photos, which came in handy, especially when it came time to do the roof.

It went easier than we figured, though, and most of the trim seated with hand pressure. Try the kinder, gentler approach on these pieces to avoid any dings or dents. Also, we found that the weatherstrip seated into the channels easily.

We didn't glue it in on this round, as we still have a piece or two on back order, but it fits snugly and we don't expect to do any trimming, pushing or pulling before we seat it permanently.

We got used to the sound of the doors with the old weatherstrip and it alarmed us after we put the new pieces on; we didn't think the doors were shutting all the way. They were, and we like it.

We used the black adhesive here. Don't grab the yellow "elephant snot" stuff on parts that will be visible for the life of the car-that's so 1970s.

OK, we confess to sending these out for re-chroming. Although OPG offers replacements, the factory hood grilles are fairly substantial and the new plating comes out fine. Besides, we wanted to keep some of the old parts that came on the car.

The wheel opening moldings go on with our kind of tool, a screwdriver, and they definitely dress up the car.

Sorry about those wheels...

...new ones are coming, along with fresh Nitto rubber.

Side molding goes from the front fenders, across the doors, to the two pieces on the rear quarter. We got everything new and even remembered to order the mounting hardware.

Using old clips just doesn't make sense, so don't forget to order plenty.

This is also the time to make sure the alignment of all the side molding is correct before final installation. Why? Because even minor differences in the level between panels will show up later, and your pals will be sure to tell you about it.

We made sure that we didn't order just a grille. We went with a Grille and Front End Molding Kit, which got us a grille, eyebrow moldings, grille extensions, and grille extension moldings. When going through catalogs, before settling on a particular item, check a few pages back from the single piece you want and you just might find that there's a kit or assembly that has all the pieces you need, and with a price less than individually ordering everything.

The Chevrolet Malibu, which first appeared in 1964, has improved immensely throughout its lifetime. Now, in its 50th year, it is offered with a standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine and also features stop/start technology, numerous safety features, and plenty of comfort and connectivity - a far cry from its predecessor. » Read More